IT'S PURPLE…IT'S ZEPPELIN - Beaverwood Club, London.


Written by CHRIS WELCH (Ex Melody Maker Editor, writer for Kerrang, Metal Hammer & author of many books about Led Zeppelin)

 

It was a wild night when two of the world's greatest rock bands combined on one stage. There stood Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Gillan roaring through a blitzkrieg of Deep Purple hits to hordes of delighted fans. Next came Jimmy Page and Robert Plant screaming into some of Led Zeppelin's mightiest block busters.

Except they weren't really those legendary heroes and in fact there was only one band on stage, taking both roles. In the absence of the masters, we were being treated to the next best thing - Purple Zeppelin. What ever next, you might ask, Yes-ELP or Jethro Queen? Well it was a serious business when this highly entertaining and musically authentic tribute band dared to match the brilliance of the originators.

This ambitious outfit is the brainchild of guitarist Mark Dawson. A dedicated fan of classic rock and a fine musician himself, Mark and his cohorts recreate the music they love with great care and dedication.

And they feel rewarded when audiences, equally familiar with the sounds of the Seventies, respond with cheers and applause. Maybe not quite up the ovation Zeppelin received at Earls Court in 1975, but the locals were pretty damned impressed at the Beaverwood Club.

In their first incarnation as Deep Purple, the band launched into 'Highway Star' a Purple favourite sparked by furious drumming from Alan  wearing an Ian Paice style headscarf. The Blackmore inspired lead guitar work and Gillan-esque vocals from John were equally convincing.

A powerful blues number served as a moving tribute to former Black Sabbath singer Ronnie James Dio, whose death was reported just prior to the gig. Next came Purple favourites 'Strange Kind Of Woman' and 'Black Night' and of course a grand finale with 'Smoke on The Water.' 

 

 ZOSOS!

After a pause long enough for the audience to recharge their litres of lager, the band underwent a costume change and came back as Led Zeppelin. Alan, a highly adaptable drummer, now wore the 'Clockwork Orange' bowler hat and white boiler suit, once favoured by John Bonham. Mark was clad in velvet trousers embroidered with the mysterious 'Zoso' symbols beloved of Mr. Page and it was up and away into 'Immigrant Song,' with the former 'Ian Gillan' now transformed into 'Robert Plant.'

Mark unleashed one of my Zep faves 'Since I've Been Loving You', followed by 'Good Times Bad Times' an ultra fast 'Trampled Under Foot' and a bold interpretation of the magnificent 'Achilles Last Stand.'

Heartfelt cheers greeted 'Whole Lotta Love' followed by a celebration lap of honour with 'Rock'n'Roll' complete with Bonham style snare drum intro. If you have fond memories of a particular group, it can sometimes be an unnerving experience watching a tribute band. I once had to walk out of a 'Genesis' gig because it was impossible to watch someone mimicking Phil Collins.

It could be equally embarrassing to watch a group reviving songs by two of the best rock bands of all time. But it wasn't. That's because Purple Zeppelin concentrated on the music with skill and tenacity and brought those familiar themes back to life with respect. It made the evening a genuine tribute and so satisfying you felt like shouting 'Wally!' and holding up a blazing cigarette lighter.